Learn About Multiple Sclerosis Beds and MS Therapy in Hospital Beds
Managing Health Issues Caused By MS Using A Hospital Bed
MS occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibers (myelin). It creates communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body, and the disease causes lasting damage or deterioration of the nerves. MS is a “progressive disease,” meaning one’s health and function worsen over time.
How MS progresses is different for almost every patient. MS is well-known for doctors being unable to diagnose how far or fast the condition will develop and the likely outcome. However, there are common symptoms at first: tremors, difficulty walking, a lack of coordination and loss of balance, and the early development of neurological abnormalities.
It can be unpredictable. Some people with MS lose the ability to walk over time, while others go through remission and long periods without new symptoms. When the symptoms are noticed and diagnosed by a doctor, the early addition of a hospital bed in the home can help them manage their unique health conditions, even as the symptoms progress.
Hospital Beds Can Give Some Control & Independence Back to MS Patients
Many MS symptoms can progress to the point that they significantly interfere with a patient’s daily routine. When someone loses their ability to do their ordinary tasks, they can lose self-confidence and have negative feelings. Maintaining a high degree of independence in everyday life doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything as they did before, but there are more tools for home support than ever.
Many pieces of home medical equipment allow people with progressing MS to have their care needs addressed while remaining at home where they are most comfortable. One necessary tool can be the hospital bed. The high-low elevation, adjustable back, knee, and feet sections, and assist side rails can help them rest comfortably, get in and out of bed, and sleep at night without the risk of rolling out of bed.
Most patients with MS are over 65; families and loved ones who see the condition progress might feel it’s best to provide a hospital bed and move them into an assisted living facility. However, for their quality of life, it’s crucial that housing and care be appropriate for the patient’s age and condition. Younger patients can end up in settings designed for older individuals, despite having the abilities and wherewithal to lead independent lives. Adding a hospital bed in a private setting makes the environment much more comfortable and safe for most MS patients who want to stay at home.
Hospital Beds Can Help Those With MS Get The Sleep They Need
As MS symptoms progress, they can lead to many sleep problems. Common issues include insomnia, frequent nighttime urination, narcolepsy and leg spasms; for instance, over half of MS patients suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS). Many of the side effects of MS medications, including disease-modifying therapies and corticosteroids, can create sleep disturbances; other medications, such as stimulant medications for fatigue, cause fluctuations in the opposite way.
However a patient experiences it, poor sleep correlates with poor daytime cognitive ability, affecting patients’ ability to mentally and physically cope with their symptoms. It can even make some MS symptoms feel worse. Other patients have difficulty with hypersomnia, which is too much sleep.
MS patients need healthy sleep routines and a bed in which they can feel comfortable. SonderCare’s luxury hospital beds offer the right set of features to enhance rest, relaxation, and sleep, including:
- The bed has ample space for repositioning, which can be vital to getting a good night’s sleep while handling symptoms.
- The adjustable features can lift the upper body up and down for patients with reduced muscle strength in their core or upper limbs.
- A firm pressure-relieving mattress supports changing positions, sitting up, and getting into a standing position to leave the bed.
- High-low elevation also helps patients get their feet flat on the floor before leaving the bed.
A hospital bed can play an important part in living with multiple sclerosis; patients and their families can be proactive and ask their doctor for help. Chronic illnesses like MS can be exhausting, and patients and their caregivers could use essential tools like the SonderCare line of hospital beds for comfort and support.
Summary
- MS is a progressive disease that affects the immune system and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Hospital beds can help MS patients manage their unique health conditions as the symptoms progress.
- Hospital beds can provide control and independence to MS patients by allowing them to rest comfortably, get in and out of bed, and sleep at night without the risk of rolling out of bed.
- Hospital beds can also help MS patients get the sleep they need by providing ample space for repositioning, adjustable features, and firm pressure-relieving mattresses.
- Overall, a hospital bed can be a useful tool for managing MS symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients who want to stay at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About MS and Sleep Therapy
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) may benefit from an adjustable hospital bed because it allows them to adjust the positioning to improve comfort and mobility. As well as improving mobility and independence, it can facilitate access to nursing care and other medical treatments. In order to determine the best options for individual needs, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
In addition to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep, those with multiple sclerosis (MS) may also be excessively sleepy during the day. Restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movement disorder are also sleep-related issues for people with MS. Symptoms of MS, including pain, spasticity, and bladder problems, can disrupt sleep as well. People with MS should speak with their healthcare professional if they are experiencing sleep problems, as they can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Some individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience immobility because they are unable to control their muscles, resulting in weakness, stiffness, and difficulties with coordination and balance. The symptoms of MS can progress to the point where wheelchairs or other mobility aids are needed in severe cases. It’s important to note that MS progresses differently in each individual, and not everyone will experience immobility.
